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SUCCESS STORIES

Due to an injury in 2006 Jolynn could not continue to perform her job at the Nelson and District SPCA helping to care for animals.  Jolynn came to the ACHIEVE program to receive help with securing employment that she would be able to do with her physical limitations due to a mobility impairment.  

In the ACHIEVE program Jolynn was able to receive supports through AT- BC for a recording device and gooseneck microphone, and voice recognition software to aid in her studies. She also received supports to attend training and received funding through Skills Development Employment Benefits (SDEB) for living expenses (as she had an attachment to Employment Insurance).  Jolynn was supported by the ACHIEVE program for her tuition costs.  

Jolynn has now successfully passed the Classroom and Community Support Worker Program through Selkirk College, Castlegar Campus and is on her journey to secure employment.  She has since been offered two part-time casual positions as a Support Worker with the following agencies; Community Connections and Kootenay's Society for Community Living.  She has successfully completed her orientation and is now working in her new roles.

"Going to college with its hectic pace and along with my chronic pain, I knew I was taking a lot on. The supports from Achieve helped me more than I can say in a little paragraph.

The truth is, I doubt I could have managed as well as I did without this continual assistance and encouragement that I received from your program, along with exemplary individual help from Cheryl and Lisa Marie.

So thank you. I now have renewed hope and strength to look to my future with my new education and vocation.”

Sincerly,
Jolynn Batke

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Charlie came to Open Door Group in May of 2009. He stated that his biggest barrier to employment was his job retention. Charlie had been recently diagnosed with depression and was working with a doctor to find the right medication for him. Charlie stated that he has held over 20 jobs in the last 10 years. He stated that he would get “bored” and would become unmotivated to the point where he would lose employment.

Charlie attributed his lack of employment retention to his depression as well as his uncertainly about a career field. Charlie was connected with HOPE Bridge for one-on-one individual counseling to help support his depression and he completed the CAPS COPS COPES assessment to help identify his interests, aptitudes and abilities. After reviewing the scores it was decided that Charlie would pursue training and a career in the Hospitality industry. Surprisingly Charlie had already worked in the field before as a front desk agent in a hotel. Charlie completed the Tourism Essentials course at the Universal Learning Institute in Vancouver and received a certificate of completion. This was a success in itself for Charlie as he stated it was hard for him to complete tasks. Charlie felt a great sense of pride in his accomplishment.

Charlie continued his counseling at HOPE Bridge and reported that his motivation was increasing and he enjoyed learning new life skills. Charlie also completed Employability Workshops at Open Door Group covering topics such as Job Retention, Time Management and Workplace Communication.

After completing the workshops Charlie then worked with an Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) where he completed individual work search as well as receiving direct marketing.  Charlie had an interview with a local hotel in Vancouver and was subsequently hired as their Night Front Desk Agent. Recently, the EPS contacted Charlie to complete the 180 day follow-up. Charlie is still employed and according to his manager he is “excelling” as his position. Charlie states that he is happy and he thanked the staff at Open Door group for their continued support.

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Steven was referred to the AIM program at Open Door Group through the South Kamloops Work Search Centre. Steven had been a Class-1 driver but was unable to continue working due to a shoulder injury; he ended up unemployed for three years. Once he exhausted his WSBC and EI claims, Steven had to find work to support his family and chose to drive a school bus in order to make ends meet. The job was a poor fit for Steven as he was a professional driver in his past career and dealing with children was not something he enjoyed doing as part of the job.  And while he was willing to continue on the job, Steve's shoulder injury flared up and his doctor said it would be in his best interest to quit.

Once in AIM, his Employment Services Coordinator (ESC) reviewed his work history and learned that Steven's favourite job was with a logistics company he had worked for years prior. Steven still had a reference with the company which the ESC called as part of the job readiness steps. The ESC learned that the company's management thought very highly of Steven, and his work, and gave him a glowing reference.

Steven was referred to an Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) by the ESC.  Together the EPS and Steven reviewed how to approach an employer with a realistic return-to-work plan that would include workplace accommodations. Steven called an identified employer and together they worked out the modifications required to bring Steven into the company. Steven could drive but will not load or unload cargo. He would take breaks when needed and keep in contact with his physician regarding any medical issues that may arise. He is now working full-time and earning just over $23.00/hour.  Steven is returning to work with a great deal of confidence in his abilities and feels comfortable that he will be able to provide financially for his family.